METALS

FERROUS METALS (IRON AND STEEL)

IRON

There are 21 different ferrous alloys.Most are standard pig irons which are changed during the processing stage to form more manageable and malleable forms. Some have elements added for specialist use.

Steel is an alloy of mostly iron with added carbon of differing proportions. Other additives include manganese, chromium, vanadium and tungsten. Steel is far superior to iron and is used extensively in all aspects of industry.

Copper is a ductile metal. It has pinkish colour and is a good thermal and electrical conductor. It does not react with water but react with air slowly at room temperature to form a layer of brown-black copper oxide on copper metal which has a protective effect against further corrosion. It can be easily fabricated.

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NICKEL

Nickel is a lustrous metallic and silvery with a gold tinge metal that takes a high polish. It belongs to the transition metals and is hard and ductile. it is used in coins, for plating iron, brass, etc., it has resistance to corrosion.

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BRASS

Brass is a metal which is composed of zinc and copper. The colour ranges from reddish brown to silvery yellow depending on the amount of zinc present. Brass is stronger and harder than copper, It is easy to form into various shapes, is a good conductor of heat, and most importantly is it’s resistance to corrosion from salt water. It is more malleable than copper or zinc. The relatively low melting point of brass and its flow characteristics make it a relatively easy material to cast. Brass alloys are recycled.

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LEAD

Heavy common metal, soft and malleable, resistant to corrosion. Used for applications where x-ray protection is needed, paints, roof covering, flashing, constituent part of solder when mixed with tin.

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ZINC

Resistant to corrosion once oxidized, malleable. Used for galvanized steel plate as a protective coating, constituent of brass, tanks, buckets, rust proof paint.